Cruisers Forum
Main Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: garmp on October 23, 2019, 05:00:05 pm
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Looking into getting an air compressor to carry, but have to find the right one. Has to be small, light weight with no or a very small tank. Capable of blowing up to an 80lb tire and preferable 110. And not to break the bank on something I'll hopefully not use frequently.
I looked at the Viair, but not fond of connecting to the battery, I don't know why. And there are so many models to choose from for some one who doesn't know squat about them.
So, what do you carry and why that one?
thanks
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The small electric emergency air pump I have in a tire repair kit does not work efficiently to my satisfaction, so I am interested in the comments you receive.
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https://www.lowes.com/pd/BLACK-DECKER-12-Volt-And-120-Volt-120-Lithium-Ion-Air-Inflator-Power-Source-Battery-Car-Electric/1000330671
Programmable inflation pressure, 160 psi max.
3 way power : 110v ac, 12v dc, or lithium ion battery (not included).
I bought it because it uses the same rechargeable battery pack as my B&D leaf blower. I used it to set the tire pressures when I installed my TPMS. The battery did the job no problem. I use it to set my ride-rite air springs before each trip. The gauge is accurate, and it is designed to shut off 1.5 psi higher then the set point .
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I also carry the Black and Decker though not with a battery pack I just use the electric plug and the extension cord I carry anyhow.
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120v or 12v, shuts off at set pressure, $60 by Kobalt
https://www.amazon.com/Kobalt-Portable-Compressor-Inflator-Needles/dp/B01N56OXQC
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Looked at 12V/120V models but figured I've always got electric on-board so decided to go with tried & true....
https://www.aircompressortalk.com/porter-cable-cmb15-150-psi-oil-free-fully-shrouded-compressor-review/
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Hi Gary
I'll probably be of little help to you because after researching things pretty thoroughly I went with the Viair. Their RV models are a simple build, very high quality unit with a very small footprint (12.5"X6"X7.5"). I actually like the 12-volt battery hookup since it just takes a second to set up. I just pull the compressor out of the rear storage drawer, open the house battery door and slide the batteries out, clip on the clamps and with the 30-foot coiled hose reach every tire on my rig. The negative is cost--the 400P and 450P kits run from about $200 to $300 depending on the specific kit, but these are nice units--automatic compressors that operate like your water pump--only run when you're actually injecting air and immediately shut off against the pressure in the line if you stop to check pressure or move to another tire. Be careful of the "ratings". I bought the 450P, since it is a 100% duty cycle compressor--can run an hour straight if you should need to without cool-down (many small units are 30% duty cycle compressors). It's a 150 PSI (max) compressor that can actually inflate a tire to 130 PSI if needed (most similar compact units can't). The 450P-RV kit also has a second 30-foot coiled hose that provides 60-foot reach if you should need it, canvas storage case, and a hand gun with extremely accurate gauge that the screw-on and direct-connect chuck attachments clip to. All-in-all a really nice unit that should outlive the RV.
After all that, I hear your original comment: "....not to break the bank on something I'll hopefully not use frequently." That is a reasonable consideration as well!!
All the best with your search, Mike
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We also use the Viair. We agree on Mike's points; the downside being the cost. But this is a very reliable compressor as we just found out when heading out for the Charleston rally. It was nice to have when we discovered that one of our tires on the tow car needed air. Because this compressor can provide high pressures it works well not only with the low pressure for the tow car but higher pressures that are needed for the tires on the RV.
Dave
2017-2910 D
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I'll probably be of little help to you because after researching things pretty thoroughly I went with the Viair. Their RV models are a simple build, very high quality unit with a very small footprint (12.5"X6"X7.5"). I actually like the 12-volt battery hookup since it just takes a second to set up. I just pull the compressor out of the rear storage drawer, open the house battery door and slide the batteries out, clip on the clamps and with the 30-foot coiled hose reach every tire on my rig. The negative is cost--the 400P and 450P kits run from about $200 to $300 depending on the specific kit, but these are nice units--automatic compressors that operate like your water pump--only run when you're actually injecting air and immediately shut off against the pressure in the line if you stop to check pressure or move to another tire. Be careful of the "ratings". I bought the 450P, since it is a 100% duty cycle compressor--can run an hour straight if you should need to without cool-down (many small units are 30% duty cycle compressors). It's a 150 PSI (max) compressor that can actually inflate a tire to 130 PSI if needed (most similar compact units can't). The 450P-RV kit also has a second 30-foot coiled hose that provides 60-foot reach if you should need it, canvas storage case, and a hand gun with extremely accurate gauge that the screw-on and direct-connect chuck attachments clip to. All-in-all a really nice unit that should outlive the RV.
Mike
AWESOME writeup. I am sold. Getting it through Amazon.
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This is the one I use and have had no issues with it. If it gets too hot it will shut itself off, wait 10-15 minutes and you are ready to go again.
TIREWELL 12V Tire Inflator-Heavy... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZXR9P6R?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
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Looked at 12V/120V models but figured I've always got electric on-board so decided to go with tried & true....
https://www.aircompressortalk.com/porter-cable-cmb15-150-psi-oil-free-fully-shrouded-compressor-review/
The over-all design and affordability of this Porter Cable compressor intrigues me, but I have some potential show-stopper questions.
Does it have an integrated storage compartment for the hose and accessories? If not, how are the hose with accessories stored?
Does the hose have a quick disconnect on both ends? It does not appear to. It looks like I need to wrench-attach when I want to use it :(
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I carry one of these
https://www.amazon.com/Husky-HY120-Inflator-Analog-Pressure/dp/B0085X4IZM
Like garmp said, hope you never use it and have used it only one time to help a fellow camper in a NF campground. I also carry a 25 foot extension cord. We just fired up the guy's generator, plugged in my compressor and extension cord and took care of the truck tire.
I bought mine at Home Depot for $25 on sale a few years ago and I saw them on sale there recently. I tried it on my PC when I first got it and was satisfied it would do the job and it certainly did for the guy with the low tire down the road. Small and takes up little room. I just store it in the original box.
Paul
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Interesting discussion. I just carry a little blue $40 compressor from Lowes, but I don't see it on their site anymore. It says 120 PSI, but I tried to use to air up a low tire on my pickup once, and it took so long I gave up and dragged out my big 20 gallon compressor. It works fine for inflating the air bags or bicycle tires, though.
Why would you need a real compressor on-board? Is the idea to be able fix a flat on a 10,000 lb vehicle with dualies at the side of the road? I think I'd just call AAA. If I was real desperate, I might try to get out the spare myself and see if that bottle jack I carry is actually any good for 10,000lbs. But I don't think I'd trust a flat tire plug on such a heavy vehicle, even if I had a compressor that would blow up one of those monster tires.
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blueblaze, I carry one because in past years on other MHs I have had tires with a slow leak, not a flat. If a tire is only leaking a few pounds a day a small compressor will take care of the problem until you can get where you can have it fixed. Lots of places we boondockers go don't have cell service to call AAA or Sams. I do prefer my 120 volt compressor and it will take a truck tire up five pounds in about three minutes. Hey, I ain't in a rush or I would fly instead of driving. (WH)
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Good point. You're right, I don't boondock, so I just don't worry about 5lbs enough to mess with it when I'm not at a gas station. But I can see where a slow leak could become a catastrophe if you were parked deep in the sticks for a couple of weeks. I wonder if most boondockers think to check their tire pressure everyday when they're parked and camping. Might be an argument for a TPMS, so you can keep an eye on it without losing a pound every time you check it.
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Why would you need a real compressor on-board? Is the idea to be able fix a flat on a 10,000 lb vehicle with dualies at the side of the road? I think I'd just call AAA. If I was real desperate, I might try to get out the spare myself and see if that bottle jack I carry is actually any good for 10,000lbs. But I don't think I'd trust a flat tire plug on such a heavy vehicle, even if I had a compressor that would blow up one of those monster tires.
I carry a plug kit, and a bicycle pump currently. Saved my butt once on the trailer, but after that workout a better compressor is in order. Might even warrant carrying an air gun for the lug nuts. (exactly)
"" I think I'd just call AAA."" Working towing and recovery, I have been amazed at the LONG response times for AAA. Couple hours was not uncommon. More than once FHP (Florida Highway Patrol) dictated we tow the car because the AAA truck was taking too long, and the highway had to be cleared. On a busy weekend, a flat tire may go to the bottom of the AAA dispatch list. :'(
Having said that, I am a AAA Platinum RV member. Worth it for the BIG problems that require a tow.
""Is the idea to be able fix a flat on a 10,000 lb vehicle with dualies at the side of the road?"" HELL yes! Our campers! (11,500 lb vehicle..or more if you have a E450)
""But I don't think I'd trust a flat tire plug on such a heavy vehicle, even if I had a compressor that would blow up one of those monster tires."" Insurance companies may not allow tire stores to use them, but I have had nothing but excellent results with plugs in truck tires of this range, and heavier. Not the $3.98 kit you get at the gas station with the pathetic skinny black plugs, but a quality kit with *ONLY* genuine North Shore Labs plugs. Like this one -
https://www.govets.com/consumer-products/hardware-and-tools/north-shore-laboratories-corp-home-and-office-hardware-tools-276-safssktp?gclid=Cj0KCQjwgNXtBRC6ARIsAIPP7Rvp3Xk96XIWZ6czegmBwqpZBV0PTNU0xDIpA9i94DPPkpTV0K5dyBIaAqDUEALw_wcB
And ream out the hole well. This makes your round plug seal a round hole. 2o2
If you have a 5 ton bottle jack (10K pounds) I am with you on wondering if it would work in back. Might be a good idea to test it in the driveway sometime. My 5 ton rated floor jack would not lift the back axle of my camper, just 'whooshed' by the overload. And I was pretty much empty. Jack *evidently* is under adjusted, or over rated... (WH) My rig came without a jack, so I carry a 12 ton.
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Back in 2007, Phoenix supplied our new PC with a generic 6 ton bottle jack and Ford-supplied tire iron for changing a tire. I have used that bottle jack a number of times to lift one rear corner and it does the job without concern of over-load. Years after buying our PC, I thought it would be wiser to buy a more capable bottle jack but after researching them, I decided to keep what I have for one primary reason. More capable bottle jacks are so much heavier. Our 6 ton is hard enough to maneuver under the rear axle.
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We have been using a Sears unit that is exactly like the Porter Cable unit mentioned in this thread. We used it in our 40 ft Diesel Pusher and it worked well..just took a while. It seems a bit big to be carrying in the PC so I will be looking around for something maller. I also need to find the bottle jack and large tire iron mentioned here...I hope i find it in our 2017 2910D.
Hank
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Well, I was a Boy Scout, so the idea of "Be Prepared" is not lost on me. But I guess a spare, bottle jack, tire iron, and TPMS, on top of a AAA membership, seems prepared enough, without adding a professional flat fixing kit and $250 compressor (that I don't have room to carry, anyway).
In fact, I don't even spring for the deluxe AAA membership. Yes, I'll pay more if I actually have to use it, but I also tend toward a skeptical view of insurance in general. I insure for disasters I can't afford, not annoyances that I can. How often am I likely to have a flat? How many years of guaranteed higher insurance premiums would I have to pay to get that discount, if I someday actually used that insurance? I don't carry AAA because I can't afford a flat. I carry it so that I'll know who to call if I have one.
But maybe I'd feel differently if I boondocked a lot. And I'm still interested in learning what people think is the best small compressor. I just don't feel a need to carry it on-board.
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In fact, I don't even spring for the deluxe AAA membership. Yes, I'll pay more if I actually have to use it, but I also tend toward a skeptical view of insurance in general. I insure for disasters I can't afford, not annoyances that I can.
Not sure if I mentioned my current air supply is a bicycle pump.. good to 110 PSI :lol
My memory may be faulty, but adding the RV to our existing personal AAA was ridiculous cheap - less than $100 a year IIRC... I can check with the 'Keeper of the Cash' Mrs V for actual numbers..
Ours allows (1) 200 mile tow, and (3) 100 mile tows. AND my trailer is covered. (cheer) The base was towing had 1st 5(?) miles free, or some pittance like that. And the trailer was extra. I have been out of the towing bix for 10+ years, but a RV size tow was ~$2.00 a loaded mile after the free allowance (in 2006!) . For now, we tend to stay within 300 miles of home for festivals and other music video/taping gigs. Usually 150-200. Should we need a tow home, 200 miles will cover most of it. With the cheap AAA, the extra 190 miles would be over $400 after tax. PLUS the trailer. :beg Not to mention we are on the road in the 'wee morning hours' and would be a few hours until shops open to give a tow. Driving a 13 year old motorhome it seemed a wise bet to wager $100 against being stuck in the early morning hours without assured help. Especially for Mrs V's peace of mind. Not a matter of it being a case of not being able to afford the 'full retail' tow home, but buying time and convenience. And time is a precious commodity, maybe more when with a distressed spouse.
To each their own, and I can see how us being 'part time' (heck...occasional?) RV-ers is a VERY different set of circumstances than being 'Full Time' in one. Age is another BIG variable... sure I can use a bicycle pump for 30 min for NOW to do a tire...and sling around a 12 ton jack while on my belly. But I am only 53 and in killer shape. I look like mid 40's. Will be a different story when I am in my 70's and beyond !!! 2o2
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And I'm still interested in learning what people think is the best small compressor.
About 10 years ago I got a Master Flow MF-1050 [ https://masterflowair.com/products/mf-1050 ] for about $50. Now it's $70. I've had to do some minor repairs on the pump but it still works fine. It pumps 80 lbs truck tires with no problem.
Because of the higher amp draw to pump effectively, it is necessary to connect directly to the battery. The lighter style plug has too small gauge wires running to it.. I consider it to be a much cheaper Viair type compressor. Certainly not the best, but good value for the $$....
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Age is another BIG variable...
Truer words were never spoken, my friend! In addition to a bias toward paying people to do what I don't have the energy to do anymore, I'll even admit to a tendency toward crotchity-ness when the subject comes up!
So more power to you, you young whippersnappers! Now get off my lawn! (Oh, no lawn... sorry about that. Force of habit.)
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I use a porter cable 6 gallon pancake air compressor. Works great and I keep it in the tow vehicle. For $100 you can't beat it and I have used on several trailers and class a and c motorhomes.
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Great thread I have been looking at compressors and have seen a couple I am interested in one is the Viair H model 450, and the Klutch 52486 at Northern Tool. If I go with the Viair I am going to permanently mount it and then get the 1/2-inch rapid air master kit and pipe in 3 quick connect ports one on each side and one in the back for the toad. I keep looking at the space below the slide, there is plenty of room to mount the compressor off the frame rail then remote mount a regulator and switch to control it. This way everything is ready to go and I don't have to drag it out and hook it all up. However, if I decide not to do the install I am going to get the Klutch from Northern tool, it’s a bit heavy but has a great discharge volume and is capable of 150 psi plus the price isn’t to bad.
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VAir here, I do have triple A ( 30+ years). Recently I had a 6 hour wait for a tow truck due to an accident in the area. I also use a high quality (safety seal ) plug kit. I used them on my motorcycles as well. If your afraid don’t use them, if your unsure, do some research and learn. I have never had a safety seal plug fail, and I ran them on motorcycle tires thru the tires full life, front if rear. You couldn’t even find where the plug was at the end of the tires life.
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Bought a DeWalt this summer. Plugs in to dash or can purchase battery or electric adapter. Compact and lightweight.
Available at Amazon for about $95.
DEWALT DCC020IB 20V Max Inflator (Bare)